Business
Innovation
World Food Innovation Awards 2026: Bakery Product Category still open for Entries
The World Food Innovation Awards return for 2026, with the Best Bakery Product category accepting entries until 20 February. The ceremony takes place at the International Food & Drink Event at ExCeL London on 30 March, recognising winners across three tiers.
Funding & investment
ARYZTA Invests €40m in Portuguese Bun Bakery as Part of Iberian Expansion
ARYZTA has announced a €40m investment in a new bun bakery near Lisbon, scheduled for commissioning in 2028. The state-of-the-art facility will work alongside the company's existing Spanish bakery to optimise supply chains and customer service across the Iberian Peninsula.
Funding & investment
Italian Investment Fund Backs Piadina and Pinsa Manufacturer
Fondo Italiano d'Investimento has taken a majority stake in Alimenta Produzioni, the Riccione-based manufacturer of piadina and pinsa. The €50 million revenue company, which holds a leading position in IGP Romagna piadina, generates over one-third of sales from international markets including the UK, Germany and the United States.
Funding & investment
UK Bakery Scales Production with Multi-Million Pound Equipment Investment
Finsbury Food Group has committed substantial capital to its Kara facility in Whitefield, Manchester, targeting enhanced production capabilities at the foodservice-dedicated bakery. The factory manufactures 1.2 million bread rolls daily, serving national wholesalers and customers across hospitality, healthcare and quick-service sectors.
Facilities
Panattoni Develops Purpose-Built Bakery Facility for Edeka Südwest in Rhineland-Palatinate
Panattoni is developing a 10,000 m² bakery production facility for Edeka Südwest in Lambsheim, Rhineland-Palatinate. The build-to-own project marks the first partnership between the companies and will create 150 jobs when operational in Q4 2027.
Mergers & Acquisitions
CMA flags competition concerns in Vandemoortele-Délifrance merger
CMA flags competition concerns in Vandemoortele-Délifrance merger
This merger, formalised under a Share Purchase Agreement signed in June 2025, is now under scrutiny as the CMA prepares for a possible Phase 2 investigation.
Funding & investment
UK Food and Drink Sector Sets Out £50bn Growth Blueprint
Britain's food and drink manufacturers have unveiled a ten-year plan aimed at doubling investment and significantly expanding exports, as the sector grapples with mounting pressures from rising costs and weakening consumer demand.
Equipment
Bread Processing Equipment Market Set for Steady Expansion Through 2035
The global bread processing equipment market is projected to grow from USD 8.229 billion in 2024 to USD 14.06 billion by 2035 at a 4.99% CAGR. Automation, urbanisation and demand for consistent quality are driving commercial bakeries, QSRs and industrial manufacturers to invest in advanced dough mixers, ovens, proofers and packaging systems across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.